They headed through town, toward the gate. Dri was in the lead, closely followed by Drake, with the other three bringing up the rear. As soon as they were out of Cassardis, Madeleine started talking to Krystal and Onyx, not quietly either. For a few minutes, it was simple things, their names, information about pawns, etc. Dri mainly tuned her out, until Madeleine mentioned Drake.
"So why is there only one guy in your whole party?"
Krystal replied this time. "He is the Arisen's pawn."
"Hmm. Well, as I prefer male company, I think I will talk to him, if you don't mind."
Not waiting for a reply, Dri heard Madeleine shift forward. "Drake, was it?"
"Yes?"
"I was wondering about the bond between you and her."
"The Arisen brought me here. It is my sworn duty to protect and obey her."
"But what about your needs?" What about them?
"The Arisen makes sure we are well fed and rested."
"I meant…other…needs. Intimate needs you may say."
Feeling the rush of anger reach her cheeks, Dri stopped and turned around. Barely noticing Drake's obvious confusion at what Madeleine had meant, Dri looked the short blonde straight in the eye. "I think it would be better if you stayed to the rear, behind Krystal and Onyx. That way in case goblins or bandits were about, they wouldn't be alerted to our presence by your loud mouth!" Why am I so angry? All I want to do right now is say fuck this job and kill this stupid bitch. Arrgh, the sooner we get to the encampment, the better.
The rest of the trek was relatively uneventful. Drake, after Dri's little outburst, moved forward to stand directly beside Dri. Although odd, Dri actually felt better having just a little company. Eventually, they reached the encampment, where Madeleine rushed forward. "Success! And all thanks goes to your fine work. We'd best be inside, don't you think?" Dri nodded, and signaled the soldiers to let them in.
"This may sound untoward, but…" Oh God, here comes the plea. She'll want something else. "Have you aught in the way of coin? Please! I must make for the capital, but times are dark, and my purse light." No money! Pablo owes me for this! "It's a terrible curse, being poor. Times are it takes all I have just to keep back the tears."
Liar. "Would you spare some gold? I would repay you of course…at some point…Most likely." So never then. Good to know.
"Here." Dri passed a thousand gold to her, happy to be done with this job.
"I'm so very much in love with you at this moment. A woman's heart is a dangerous creature, but you know well how to tame it. Oft has it been said that a poor life is a happy one. I have never found this to be true. If fortune ever sees you to Gran Soren and me to setting up my shop, you must come visit. I shall even give you a discount!...A small one."
"Lovely, Madeleine. I shall see you later on then." Dri turned away, eager to do a few more jobs before the day ended.